Portable disposable shower system for non-ambulatory patients

ABSTRACT

A disposable shower system for non-ambulatory patients includes a flexible waterproof bag enclosure, a patient access opening in the bag enclosure to enable a patient to be placed therein, and an adjustable closure for adjustably closing the access opening to selectively create a wholly or partially watertight bathing environment within the bag enclosure. A fresh water delivery system delivers water from a fresh water source into the bag enclosure, where it can be dispensed onto a patient. A waste water removal system removes and collects waste water from the bag enclosure. During use of the shower system, the patient is placed in the bag enclosure with the patient&#39;s head protruding from the patient access opening, and the closure is manipulated to close the access opening as desired. Using one or more dispensing nozzles associated with the fresh water delivery system, the patient is bathed with fresh water while waste water is collected and removed by the waste water removal system. Optional dryer, heater and whirlpool systems may be used to provide additional therapies. When bathing has been completed, the bag enclosure and other components of the shower system can be disposed of, as desired. Alternative bag enclosures may be used for bathing specific body parts, such as the head, arms and legs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/616,043, filed on Oct. 4, 2004.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the care and maintenance of non-ambulatory patients, including patients confined to beds and wheel chairs. More particularly, the invention pertains to an apparatus for bathing a non-ambulatory patient while lying on a bed or other surface.

2. Description of the Prior Art

By way of background, the traditional method of bathing non-ambulatory patients is the sponge bath. According to this technique, a caregiver washes and rinses one area of the patient's body at a time using sponges, washcloths or the wipes. The technique requires frequent repositioning of the patient as bathing proceeds from one body area to the next, and is therefore slow and cumbersome. Moreover, unless a waterproof under-sheet is used, it is inevitable that the patient's bedclothes will become soiled from dripping bath water. As an alternative to sponge bathing, various portable bathtub units have been proposed for in-bed use. Such devices are made of waterproof plastic and are adapted to assemble into an open tub configuration comprising a bottom floor and four sidewalls that surround the patient. The desired shape is achieved using rigid frame members or inflatable elements. In use, the bathtub is placed on the patient's bed, the patient lies prone in the bathtub, and the caregiver showers the patient with water delivered from a hand-held spray nozzle attached to the end of a hose.

It is to improvements in the bathing of non-ambulatory patients that the present invention is directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An advance in the art of in-bed bathing is provided by a shower system for non-ambulatory patients that is portable, disposable and requires few, if any, assembly steps for operation. The shower system includes a flexible waterproof bag enclosure, a patient access opening in the bag enclosure to receive a patient therein, and an adjustable closure for adjustably closing the access opening to selectively create a wholly or partially watertight bathing environment within the bag enclosure. A fresh water delivery system delivers water from a fresh water source into the bag enclosure, where it can be dispensed onto the patient. A waste water removal system removes and collects waste water from the bag enclosure. During use of the shower system, the patient is placed in the bag enclosure with the patient's head protruding from the patient access opening, and the closure is manipulated to close the access opening as desired. Using one or more dispensing nozzles associated with the fresh water delivery system, the patient is bathed with fresh water while waste water is collected and removed by the waste water removal system. Optional dryer, heater and whirlpool systems may be used to provide additional therapies. When bathing has been completed, the bag enclosure and other components of the shower system can be disposed of, as desired. Alternative bag enclosures may be used for bathing specific body parts, such as the head, arms and legs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying Drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a portable disposable shower system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention with an associated fresh water delivery system and a waste water removal system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the shower system of FIG. 1 situated on a bed and following opening of a bag enclosure to receive a patient;

FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of the shower system of FIG. 1 situated on a bed and following placement of a patient within a bag enclosure, with a patient access opening being partially closed;

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the shower system of FIG. 1 with a bag enclosure front sheet portion broken away to illustrate a patient being bathed with fresh water delivered by a dispensing nozzle;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial front plan view of the shower system of FIG. 1 showing one corner of a bag enclosure head end, with a front sheet portion of the bag enclosure broken away to show exemplary positions of a dispensing nozzle dispensing fresh water during bathing;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged end view of a dispensing nozzle of the shower system of FIG. 1 taken substantially along the line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the shower system of FIG. 1 situated on an angled bed, with a side portion of a bag enclosure foot end broken away to show waste water drainage through a drain port;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial side view of the shower system of FIG. 1 showing a bag enclosure foot end, with a side portion of the bag enclosure broken away to show waste water flowing through the drain port;

FIG. 9 is a perspective front view of a portable disposable shower system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention with an associated fresh water delivery system and a waste water removal system, together with an optional whirlpool system, a dryer system, and temperature monitoring and soap dispensing components;

FIG. 10 is a perspective rear view of the shower system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a front plan view of the shower system of FIG. 9, with a bag enclosure front sheet portion substantially broken away to show manifold and dispensing nozzle components of a fresh water delivery system, and drain port and waste water line components of a waste water removal system;

FIG. 12 is an end view of a first dispensing nozzle embodiment of the shower system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12A-12A in FIG. 12 showing a first dispensing nozzle embodiment of the shower system of FIG. 9 in a non-operational position;

FIG. 12A′ is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12A-12A in FIG. 12 showing a first dispensing nozzle embodiment of the shower system of FIG. 9 during operation;

FIG. 13 is an end view of a second dispensing nozzle embodiment of the shower system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13A-13A in FIG. 13 showing a second dispensing nozzle embodiment of the shower system of FIG. 9 during operation;

FIG. 14 is a front plan view of the shower system of FIG. 9, with a bag enclosure front sheet portion substantially broken away to show a patient being bathed with fresh water delivered by manifold and dispensing nozzle components of a fresh water delivery system;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the shower system of FIG. 9 situated on an angled bed, with a bag enclosure intermediate side portion broken way to show waste water drainage through an intermediate drain port;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged partial side view of the shower system of FIG. 9, with a bag enclosure intermediate side portion broken away to show waste water drainage through an intermediate drain port;

FIG. 16A is an enlarged plan view taken in the direction of line 16A-16A of FIG. 16 and showing a semi-rigid cushion for preventing drain port blockage by a patient;

FIG. 16B is an enlarged perspective view of the cushion of FIG. 16A;

FIG. 17 is a partial front plan view of the shower system of FIG. 9 showing a bag enclosure foot end, with a front sheet portion of the bag enclosure broken away to illustrate a waste water removal system and an optional whirlpool system when the whirlpool system is not in operation;

FIG. 18A is a perspective view showing a whirlpool dispensing nozzle of the shower system of FIG. 9 in a non-operational position;

FIG. 18B is a perspective view showing a whirlpool dispensing nozzle of the shower system of FIG. 9 in an operational position;

FIG. 19 is a partial front plan view of the shower system of FIG. 9 showing a bag enclosure foot end, with a front sheet portion of the bag enclosure broken away to illustrate a waste water removal system and an optional whirlpool system when the whirlpool system is in operation;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the shower system of FIG. 9 situated on a bed with a patient therein and illustrating operation of an optional dryer system;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a portable disposable shower system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, with a patient therein and illustrating operation of an internal chemical heater system;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of a portable disposable shower system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, with a patient therein and illustrating the use of a drawstring opening in a bag enclosure;

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of a portable disposable shower system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, with the shower system being adapted to be worn on a patient's head;

FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of a portable disposable shower system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, with a patient therein and with a bag enclosure constructed as a suit with arm, leg and torso portions;

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of a portable disposable shower system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, with a patient therein and with a bag enclosure constructed as a suit with arm and torso portions; and

FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of a portable disposable shower system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, with a patient therein and with a bag enclosure constructed as a suit with leg and lower torso portions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to FIG. 1, an exemplary construction of a portable disposable shower system 2 for non-ambulatory patients includes a flexible bag enclosure 4 made from one or more layers of waterproof sheet material, such vinyl or the like. The bag enclosure 4 includes a front sheet portion 6, a rear sheet portion 8, a head end 10, a foot end 12, and two side portions 14. The bag enclosure 4 is illustrated as being substantially rectangular in FIG. 1, but it will be appreciated that other shapes may also be used, such as a tapered configuration wherein the bag enclosure decreases in width from the head end 10 toward the foot end 12. As additionally shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, which illustrate the bag enclosure is situated on a bed “B,” a patient access opening 16 is formed in the front sheet 6 to enable a patient “P” to be placed therein. The access opening 16 includes a generally semicircular patient neck opening 18 proximate to the bag enclosure head end 10, and an elongated slit opening 20 extending from the neck opening toward the bag enclosure foot end 12. An adjustable closure 22 allows the slit opening 20 to be adjustably closed and secured along its length. The closure 22 can be provided by a conventional zipping mechanism, such as a zipper or zip-lock arrangement. It may also be provided by other means, such as magnetic strip members, hook and loop members, etc. As shown in FIG. 3, during use of the shower system 2, the patient “P” is placed within the bag enclosure 4 with the patient's head protruding from the neck opening 18, and the closure 22 is manipulated to close the slit opening 20 as desired (e.g., either partially closed or fully closed to the neck opening). In this way, the interior of the bag enclosure 4 can be selectively made wholly or partially watertight, allowing access to the patient “P” while providing the ability to control water splashing or spillage.

As further shown in FIGS. 1-3, and with additional reference to FIGS. 4-6, the shower system 2 has an associated fresh water delivery system 30 adapted to deliver water from a fresh water source to the bag enclosure 4, where it can be dispensed onto the patient “P.” The fresh water delivery system 30 can be connected to any suitable fresh water source, such as the water faucet “F” shown in FIG. 1, as is commonly available in hospital rooms and other care facilities. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the fresh water delivery system 30 is shown by way of example only as comprising one dispensing nozzle 32 that is disposed within the bag enclosure 4. As additionally shown in FIG. 6, a conventional shower head with multiple spray apertures 33 may be used to provide the dispensing nozzle 32, as could a garden hose spray nozzle attachment or any other suitable water dispensing device. A fresh water line 34 extends from the dispensing nozzle 32 to the fresh water source. The fresh water line 34 can be implemented using a variety of conduit components, and is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 as comprising a flexible hose 36 made from rubber, plastic or the like. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the flexibility of the hose 36 allows the dispensing nozzle 32 to be maneuvered about within the bag enclosure 4 so as to direct water to different body areas of the patient “P.”

The hose 36 is connected to the dispensing nozzle 32 using conventional hose connector fittings or the like. The hose 36 then exits the bag enclosure 4 through an access port 38 formed in one side 14 thereof. The access port 38 can be provided by forming an aperture 39 in the bag enclosure material, extending the hose 36 therethrough, gathering the sides of the aperture around the hose, and securing the connection with a clamp or tie 40 (see FIG. 5). This renders the access port 38 substantially water tight and thus prevents water splashing and spillage from this region of the bag enclosure 4. However, clamping the access port 38 may limit the ability of a person other than the patient “P” to maneuver the dispensing nozzle 32. Such person must either grasp the dispensing nozzle 32 from outside the enclosure bag 4, or leave open a portion of the slit opening 20 in order to reach into the enclosure bag and grasp the dispensing nozzle directly. To avoid this situation where a substantially watertight environment is desired, the access port 38 can be alternatively constructed by making the aperture 39 large enough to receive both the dispensing nozzle 32 and a caregiver's hand and arm. The caregiver can then grasp the dispensing nozzle 32 outside the bag enclosure 4, insert it through the aperture 39, and maneuver the dispensing nozzle as necessary. So long as the aperture 39 is not too large, there should not be an undue amount of water leakage therefrom. If desired, multiple apertures 39 of this type can be situated at different locations around the bag enclosure 4 to allow the caregiver to position the dispensing nozzle 32 near different body areas of the patient “P.” Clamps or ties may be used to close off apertures 39 that are not in use, in order to prevent leakage.

From the access port 38, the hose 36 extends to the water source, where a conventional faucet connector 42 can be provided if the water source is a faucet “F” (see FIG. 1). If desired, a water shut-off valve 44 can be installed intermediate the ends of the hose 36 (but preferably proximate to the bag enclosure 4) to control water flow. In most cases, however, the shut-off valve 44 will not be required insofar as there are many conventionally available dispensing nozzles 32 that have integrated shut-off valves.

As further shown in FIGS. 1-3, and with additional reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the shower system 2 has an associated waste water removal system 50 adapted to remove waste water from the bag enclosure 4 and deliver it to one or more waste water collection vessels 52, which can be formed using a bag or can construction. As best shown in FIG. 8, the waste water removal system 50 comprises a drain port fitting 54, made from plastic or the like, extending through an aperture 56 at the foot end 12 of the bag enclosure 4. A waste water line 58 extends from the drain port 54 to the collection vessels 52. As shown in FIG. 1, a “T” fitting 60 made from plastic or the like routes waste water to each of the collection vessels 52. Additional fittings may be used if there are additional collection vessels. To aid waste water drainage, the bed “B” can be optionally angled to direct waste water from the bag enclosure head end 10 to the drain port 54 at the bag enclosure foot end 12, as shown in FIG. 7. In addition, a flat rigid member (not shown), such as a plywood sheet or a plastic or metal plate, can be placed underneath the patient's buttocks region to prevent the pooling of waste water in this area as a result of the patient's weight creating a localized depression in the bed “B.” As mentioned above, the bag enclosure 4 can also be tapered from the head end 10 toward the foot end 12 (e.g., as in a “Mummy Bag” configuration) to help direct waste water to the drain port 54.

When bathing has been completed, the patient “P” can be removed from the bag enclosure 4 and dried. The bag enclosure 4, as well as the components representing the fresh water delivery system 30 and the waste water removal and collection system 50, may then be discarded. Alternatively, just the bag enclosure 4 could be disposed of, while retaining the components of the fresh water delivery system 30 and the waste water removal and collection system 50 for re-use. As a still further alternative, if the bag enclosure 4 is constructed with inner and outer sheet layers, the inner layer could be configured as an inner liner (not shown) and the outer layer could be configured as an outer shell (not shown). Following bathing, the inner liner could be removed and disposed of while the outer shell is saved for re-use with a fresh liner.

Turning now to FIGS. 9-14, another exemplary construction of a portable disposable shower system 102 for non-ambulatory patients is shown. The shower system 102 is similar in many respects to the shower system 2 described above, as shown by the use of corresponding reference numerals incremented by 100. The shower system 102 differs, however, in the construction of its fresh water delivery system 130, the construction of its waste water removal system 150, and by the incorporation of additional systems and components to be described in more detail below.

The fresh water delivery system 130 comprises plural dispensing nozzles 132 (see FIGS. 11 and 14) connected to a manifold system 135. The manifold 135 forms part of the water line 134 and can be made from a combination of plastic or rubber tube members 135A and plastic fitting members 135B of various shape that interconnect the tube members to direct fresh water where needed. The water line 134 further includes a flexible hose 136 extending from the manifold 135 to a fresh water source, where the hose can be provided with a water faucet adaptor 142 for connection to a water faucet (not shown).

As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, the dispensing nozzles 132 are situated along the two sides 114 of the bag enclosure 104. As further shown in FIGS. 12, 12A and 12A′, the dispensing nozzles 132 are each associated with an access port 138 formed as an aperture 139 in the bag enclosure 104. The aperture 139 accommodates a fitting member 135B of the manifold 135. The access port 138 can be sealed by gathering the sides of the aperture 139 around the manifold fitting member 135B and securing the connection with a clamp or tie 140. In FIGS. 12, 12A and 12A′, each dispensing nozzle 132 is constructed with a perforated sheet 144 made of the same material as the bag enclosure 104, and cut into the shape of a round or oval medallion. Other shapes may also be used. The perforated sheet 144 is disposed over the adjacent aperture 139 and its periphery is sealed to the bag enclosure 104 using adhesive, heat bonding or other suitable technique. The perforated sheet 144 provides flexible nozzle head element on the dispensing nozzle 132. As shown in FIG. 12A, the perforated sheet 144 will typically lie flat against the bag enclosure 104 when the shower system 102 is not in use. However, when fresh water is delivered through the manifold 135, the perforated sheet 144 will protrude inwardly from the bag enclosure 104 as the dispensing nozzle 132 fills with water.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 13A, the dispensing nozzle 132 can be alternatively constructed as a rigid fitting having a perforated dispensing head 146 and a neck portion 148. The back of the dispensing head 146 is adhesively bonded or otherwise secured to the bag enclosure 104 to seal the associated access port 138. The neck portion 148 extends through the access port's aperture 139 and is secured to a fitting member 135B of the manifold 135 using a clamp or tie 140.

With additional reference now to FIGS. 15 and 16, the waste water removal system 150 of the shower system 102 is shown. The waste water removal system 150 includes plural waste water collection vessels 152, two drain port fittings 154A and 154B, and waste water lines 158 that route waste water from the drain ports to the collection vessels through a pair of fittings 160. The drain port fitting 154A is situated at the foot end 112 of the bag enclosure 104. The drain port 154B is located at an intermediate portion of the bag enclosure 104. The intermediate drain port 154B is preferably located below the buttocks of the patient “P” insofar as this represents a natural low spot where waste water will collect when the bag enclosure is placed on the bed “B.” To further aid in the collection of waste water at the intermediate drain port 154B, the bed “B,” if is adjustable, can be positioned as shown in FIG. 15 to drop the intermediate drain port to an elevation that is below the immediately surrounding portions of the bag enclosure 104. In FIG. 15, the only portion of the bag enclosure 104 that is lower than the intermediate drain port 154B is the foot end 114. This area is drained by the foot end drain port 154A. As shown in FIG. 16, 16A and 16B, to prevent the patient “P” from inadvertently blocking the intermediate drain port 154B, a semi-rigid raised ring 162 made of foam or the like can be adhered or otherwise secured to the inside surface of the bag enclosure's rear sheet portion 108, so as to surround the intermediate drain port. One or more slots 164 (four are shown) are formed in the ring 162 so that it does not block the flow of waste water to the intermediate drain port 154B. Structures with other open shapes (e.g., “U”-shapes) could also be used to support the patient while allowing water flow to the intermediate drain port 154B. As further shown in FIG. 16, a support element, such as a rigid wire coil 166, can be placed around the waste water line 158 below the intermediate drain port 154B to prevent the line from being squeezed shut due to the weight of the patient “P.”

With additional reference now to FIGS. 17, 18A, 18B and 19, the shower system 2 can be optionally provided with a whirlpool system 170 that is in fluid communication with the waste water removal system 150. As best shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, the whirlpool system 170 includes an pressurized air generator 172 and an air line 174 that extends from the output of the air generator to one of the fittings 160 of the waste water removal system 150. A first control valve 176A is situated in the air line 174 and a second control valve 176B is situated in the waste water line 158 between the foot end drain port 154A and the intermediate drain port 154B. The control valves 176A and 176B are used to selectively switch between a waste water removal mode and a whirlpool mode in which pressurized air is forced into the bag enclosure 104 to create a whirlpool or spa effect. Closing the first control valve 176A and opening the second control valve 176B places the shower system 102 in the waster water removal mode in which waste water can drain from one or both of the drain ports 154A and 154B to the collection vessels 152. Opening the first control valve 176A and closing the second control valve 176B places the shower system 102 in the whirlpool mode in which the intermediate drain port 154B is closed off, and the foot end drain port 154A becomes a whirlpool jet. As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, a diffuser element 178 constructed as a perforated bag or the like can be secured to the drain port 154A to soften the jet forces delivered to the patient “P.” FIG. 18A shows the diffuser element 178 when the waste water removal mode is in effect and FIG. 18B shows the diffuser element when the whirlpool mode is in effect.

Returning now to FIG. 9, and with additional reference to FIG. 20, a further option that may be provided with the shower system 102 is a forced-air heater system 180 to help dry the patient “P” following bathing. The heater system 180 includes a hot air blower 182 that is in fluid communication with the fresh water delivery system 130 by way of an air line 184 and a control valve 186 associated with a “T” fitting 188. The hot air blower 182 can be electrically driven using standard 110 volt electrical service, or more preferably from a safety standpoint, will be battery driven. The control valve 186 allows a caregiver to selectively switch between fresh water delivery and warm air delivery to the bag enclosure 104. When the control valve 186 is closed, fresh water will be delivered to the bag enclosure 104. When the control valve 186 is opened (and the fresh water source is shut off), warm air will be delivered to the bag enclosure 104. Note that if the air pressure delivered by the heater system 180 is high enough, it will help drive off waste water through the drain ports 154A and 154B.

As additionally shown in FIGS. 9 and 20, the shower system 102 can be further enhanced by placing a temperature gauge 190 and a soap dispenser 200 (FIG. 9 only) in the fresh water delivery line 134. The temperature gauge 190 can be implemented using any suitable temperature monitoring device. One such device could comprise a thermal conductive tube made from metal, thin plastic or other suitable material that is situated in the fresh water delivery line 134, and which has adhered to the outside thereof a conventional medical skin temperature thermometer. The temperature gauge 190 is used to monitor the temperature of fresh water being delivered to the bag enclosure 104, and also to monitor the temperature of air being delivered from the heater system 180. The soap dispenser 200 can be activated during bathing and then deactivated during rinsing.

Turning now to FIG. 21, another exemplary construction of a portable disposable shower system 202 for non-ambulatory patients is shown. The shower system 202 is similar in many respects to the shower system 2 described above, as shown by the use of corresponding reference numerals incremented by 200. The shower system 202, however, includes an internal chemical heater system 280 comprising chemically activated heating elements 282 (of conventional design) disposed in waterproof pouches 284 within the bag enclosure 204.

Turning now to FIG. 22, another exemplary construction of a portable disposable shower system 302 for non-ambulatory patients is shown. The shower system 302 is similar in many respects to the shower system 2 described above, as shown by the use of corresponding reference numerals incremented by 300. The shower system 302, however, does not have a slit opening. Instead, a large neck opening 318 is provided for patient access to the bag enclosure 304. An adjustable drawstring 319 allows the patient neck opening 318 to be selectively closed after the patient “P” is situated in the bag enclosure 304 to control water splashing or spillage during bathing.

Turning now to FIG. 23, another exemplary construction of a portable disposable shower system 402 for non-ambulatory patients is shown. The shower system 402 is unlike any of the previous shower system constructions in that it is shaped and sized for bathing a discrete body portion of a patient “P,” namely, the head. The shower system 402 includes a bag enclosure 404 having a bottom trough 406 that mounts to the patient's head and collects water. A fresh water delivery system 430 attaches to an upper portion of the bag enclosure 404 and delivers fresh water via a dispensing nozzle 432. A waste water removal system connects to the trough 406.

Turning now to FIG. 24, another exemplary construction of a portable disposable shower system 502 for non-ambulatory patients is shown. The shower system 502 is shaped and sized for bathing discrete body portions of a patient “P,” namely, the arms, legs and torso. The shower system 502 includes a bag enclosure 504 that is shaped as a suit having two arm portions 504A, two leg portions 504B and a torso portion 504C. A fresh water delivery system 530 delivers fresh water through a fresh water line 534 and a manifold 535 to the bag enclosure portions 504A, 504B and 504C, which contain dispensing nozzles (not shown) connected to the manifold. A waste water removal system 550 removes waste water from the bag enclosure portions 504A and 504B via waste water lines 558 to waste water collection vessels 552. A neck opening 518, a slit opening 520 and an adjustable closure 522 provide patient access to the bag enclosure 504.

Turning now to FIG. 25, another exemplary construction of a portable disposable shower system 602 for non-ambulatory patients is shown. The shower system 602 is shaped and sized for bathing discrete body portions of a patient “P,” namely, the arms and torso. The shower system 602 includes a bag enclosure 604 that is shaped as a suit having a arm portions 564A and a torso portion 604B. A fresh water delivery system 630 delivers fresh water through a fresh water line 634 and a manifold 635 to the bag enclosure portions 604A and 604B, which contain dispensing nozzles (not shown) connected to the manifold. A waste water removal system 550 removes waste water from the bag enclosure portions 604A and 604B via waste water lines 658 to waste water collection vessels 652. A neck opening 618, a slit opening 620 and an adjustable closure 622 provide patient access to the bag enclosure 604.

Turning now to FIG. 26, another exemplary construction of a portable disposable shower system 702 for non-ambulatory patients is shown. The shower system 702 is shaped and sized for bathing a discrete body portion of a patient “P,” namely, the legs. The shower system 702 includes a bag enclosure 704 that is shaped as a pair of pants having leg portions 704A and a lower torso portion 704B. A fresh water delivery system 730 delivers fresh water through a fresh water line 734 and a manifold 735 to the bag enclosure portion 704A, which contains dispensing nozzles (not shown) connected to the manifold. A waste water removal system 750 removes waste water from the bag enclosure portion 704A via waste water lines 758 to waste water collection vessels 752. The bag enclosure portion 704B has a waist opening 718 that can be adjustably closed with a drawstring or the like.

Accordingly, a portable disposable shower system has been disclosed. While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it should be apparent that many variations and alternative embodiments could be implemented in accordance with the teachings herein. It is understood, therefore, that the invention is not to be in any way limited except in accordance with the spirit of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A portable disposable shower system for non-ambulatory patients, comprising: a flexible waterproof bag enclosure; a patient access opening in said bag enclosure to enable a patient to be placed therein; an adjustable closure for adjustably closing said access opening to selectively create a wholly or partially watertight bathing environment within said bag enclosure; a fresh water delivery system adapted to deliver water from a fresh water source into said bag enclosure, where it can be dispensed onto a patient; and a waste water removal system adapted to remove and collect waste water from said bag enclosure.
 2. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said patient access opening comprises a neck opening proximate to a head end of said bag enclosure, and an elongated slit extending from said neck opening toward a foot end of said bag enclosure.
 3. A system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said closure comprises a zipping mechanism associated with said elongated slit.
 4. A system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said closure comprises a magnetic mechanism associated with said elongated slit.
 5. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said fresh water delivery system comprises one or more dispensing nozzles within said bag enclosure, a fresh water line extending from said dispensing nozzle(s) to a fresh water source, and one or more access ports on said bag enclosure for said water line.
 6. A system in accordance with claim 5 wherein there is a single dispensing nozzle connected to a flexible hose that forms part of said water line, and a single access port in said bag enclosure.
 7. A system in accordance with claim 6 wherein said hose extends through said access port to a source end where said hose has a water faucet adaptor for connection to a water faucet.
 8. A system in accordance with claim 7 wherein said access port comprises an aperture in said bag enclosure that is gathered around said hose and secured thereto with a clamp or tie.
 9. A system in accordance with claim 1 further including a water shutoff valve in said fresh water delivery system proximate to said bag enclosure.
 10. A system in accordance with claim 5 wherein there are plural dispensing nozzles along side portions of said bag enclosure connected to a manifold that forms part of said water line, said water line further including a hose extending from said manifold to a source end where said hose has a water faucet adaptor for connection to a water faucet.
 11. A system in accordance with claim 10 wherein said dispensing nozzles each comprise a flexible nozzle element formed as a perforated sheet disposed over one of said access ports and peripherally sealed to said bag enclosure, said access port comprising an aperture in said bag enclosure that is gathered around a portion of said manifold and secured thereto with a clamp or tie.
 12. A system in accordance with claim 11 wherein said dispensing nozzles each comprise a rigid nozzle fitting extending through one of said access ports and connected to a portion of said manifold.
 13. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said waste water removal system comprises a drain port fitting associated with an aperture in said bag enclosure, a waste water line extending from said drain port, and one or more waste water collection vessels connected to said waste water line.
 14. A system in accordance with claim 13 wherein said drain port is situated at one or both of a foot end of said bag enclosure and an intermediate portion of said bag enclosure.
 15. A system in accordance with claim 1 further including a forced-air heater system in fluid communication with said fresh water delivery system by way of a valve for selectively switching between fresh water and warm air delivery to said bag enclosure.
 16. A system in accordance with claim 1 further including a chemical heater system comprising chemically activated heating elements disposed in waterproof pouches within said bag enclosure.
 17. A system in accordance with claim 1 further including a whirlpool system in fluid communication with said waste water removal system by way of a valve for selectively switching between waste water removal and pressurized air delivery to said bag enclosure.
 18. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said bag enclosure is shaped and sized for bathing a discrete body portion of a patient.
 19. A portable disposable shower system for non-ambulatory patients, comprising: a flexible waterproof bag enclosure; patient access means in said bag enclosure to enable a patient to be placed therein; adjustable closure means for adjustably closing said access means to selectively create a wholly or partially watertight bathing environment within said bag enclosure; a fresh delivery means for delivering fresh water into said bag enclosure; and waste removal means for removing waste water from said bag enclosure.
 20. A portable disposable shower system for non-ambulatory patients, comprising: a flexible waterproof bag enclosure; an opening in said bag enclosure to enable a patient to be placed within said bag enclosure; an adjustable closure for adjustably closing said opening; a feed port in said bag enclosure; a feed tube extending through said feed port into said bag enclosure; a water dispersing head in said bag enclosure attached to a first end of said feed tube; a second end of said feed tube being adapted for connection to a water source; a drainage port in bag enclosure; a drain tube extending from said drainage port outside of said bag enclosure; and a drain collector bag connected to said drain tube for collecting water drained from said bag enclosure. 